Interview: Diaunte Morrow, S, Toledo

Diauntae Morrow: I would have to say Ed Reed. I have watched a lot of film on Ed Reed and like to think we have some similar qualities in our game. In my opinion Reed plays with a certain type of swag that cannot be matched by any other safety in the game. To my understanding he is also a student of the game meaning he studies himself just as much as he studies his opponent to gain an advantage. To the common eye people probably just think that he make big plays because he is an athlete but there is a lot of hard work put behind it. He also plays with a passion for the game that is similar to mine.

Joe Gaiter: Who is Diauntae Morrow?

Diauntae Morrow: Diauntae Morrow is regular guy that does not accept failure. I am a young man, who is still learning through experience to become a better man. I am a young man who trying to turn his childhood dream into reality. I also understand that while trying to turn these dreams into reality will come with lots of hard work and dedication.

Joe Gaiter:What goals do you have for the NFL?

Diauntae Morrow: Being able to play at the professional level has always been my childhood dream. After receiving the chance to play for any NFL team I would be highly graceful and would make the most out of my opportunity. My goals would be to make a name for myself, let the entire league know that I belong here and I’m here to stay. Just being able to say I was on an NFL roster is not enough for me. I would like to become a starter on a team, probowler, and the biggest one would be to help contribute to a NFL championship for my chosen team. In saying that, I understand that none of this will happen if I do not continue to better myself as an athlete and as a person.

Joe Gaiter: What are your hobbies off the field?

Diauntae Morrow:Off the field I’m just a regular guy who like to have fun do relaxing things. I enjoy eating food, watching movies, hanging out family, friends, and meeting up the MPOD crew brainstorming about company plans to reach our company goals.

Joe Gaiter:How will you elevate your skills to a NFL level?

Diauntae Morrow:I can only take care of what I can control, so my job would be to continue to better myself as a football player. I will continue to train hard, study film, and when game time comes perform at an high level. You know M.P.O.D!!!

Joe Gaiter:What is the hardest part about playing safety?

Diauntae Morrow: I’d have to say having to not only be responsible and accountable for yourself but for the other 10 guys on the field. A safety is the quarter back of the defense which means it is job to make sure that everybody gets the calls, lined up right, and knowing their assignment. This would also be my favorite part because it takes more than just being athletic to play this position.

Joe Gaiter: What is your biggest strengths on the field?

Diauntae Morrow: Biggest strength would be the swagger/ confidence I play with because of knowledge of the game. This is not something that just hits me at game time, this comings from hours of preparation during the entire game week that I put in to help my team be successful. I also think the posse that I play with in any situation or on any stage is a big strength in my game.

Joe Gaiter:What will you miss the most about playing for Toledo ?

Diauntae Morrow:I will miss the game day battles. The battles my teammates and I trained all year around for to achieve one goal which was to win. I’ll miss being in the huddle looking in the eyes of my rocket family knowing that we both can here to win and that we are willing to do whatever it take not to let my brothers down. I enjoyed knowing that my teammates will give 100% for me just as I will for them. Understanding that failure is not an option in our book.

Joe Gaiter: Who has been your biggest influence in your football career?

Diauntae Morrow: The people that raised me: my mother, father, great aunt and uncle (both passed away in the last two years). These are the people that have not just influenced me on the football field but in my everyday life. They are the people that have supported me since day one. They taught me to never quit, never accept failure, go after your goals full throttle. I would also like to thank a Coach Ginn, Cleveland Glenville head football Coach, (father of San Fransico 49ers WR Ted Ginn Jr). He was one of the first outsiders that showed love and support for me. He is responsible for at least 80% of the athletes in the Cleveland area, who has received athletic scholarships to play football at the college level. He is a man who took me under his wing and made sure I was doing everything possible in middle school and high school to be able to play college football. He made sure my grades were up to par, and that I was training with the right people and etc. Even though, I lived in the Glenville High School district and I decided to attend a private school he has always had my back.

Joe Gaiter: How will you prove yourself on the field?

Diauntae Morrow: The only way I can prove myself on the field is to put in the work off the field. I have to continue to watch film to evaluate what I need to improve on. I need to continue to train my body to be able to compete on a high level. After these things are done the right way everything will correlate to me being productive and successful on the field.